Frito-Lay introduces low-carb chips

Reuters, 01.14.04, 11:45 AM ET

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NEW YORK, Jan 14 (Reuters) - Snack foods company Frito-Lay said Wednesday it is introducing two new types of chips to capitalize on the popularity of low-carbohydrate diets.

The two new products, called Doritos Edge and Tostitos Edge, will cut out 60 percent of the carbohydrates that are in regular Doritos and Tostitos.

Frito-Lay, a unit of PepsiCo Inc. (nyse: PEP - news - people), has already eliminated trans fats from its brands. Trans fats, which give products a longer shelf life, have been linked to heart disease.

The new chips will use soy proteins and fiber as substitute ingredients, the company said in a statement. Both Tostitos Edge and Doritos Edge will have six net carbohydrates, 10 grams of protein, and three grams of fiber.

The low-carb craze, popularized by the high-protein Atkins diet, has food companies rolling out new products to jump on the bandwagon.

Fast food chains McDonald's Corp. (nyse: MCD - news - people) and Burger King revamped their menus to cater to customers counting their carbs.

The alcohol industry is also taking notice. Anheuser-Busch Cos. Inc.'s (nyse: BUD - news - people) low-carb Michelob Ultra beer has been a big profit driver for the past year and Adolph Coors Co. (nyse: BUD - news - people) is rolling out Aspen Edge beer to take a part of the health-conscious market.

Spirits companies such as Diageo Plc. <DGE.L> are using their advertising to point out that many of their drinks have always been low carbohydrate offerings.

Doritos Edge is currently being tested in Phoenix, and both products will be available across the United States in May.

Copyright 2004, Reuters News Service